No "Governor Allen" in 2009....

Former Governor George Allen has decided to forgo a run at governor in 2009. His high profile throughout the state during the fall and winter had raised speculation that he would throw his cowboy hat in the ring with Attorney General Bob McDonnell and Lt. Governor Bill Bolling.

He put all that to rest today with a statement that was released to the Associated Press:

The Republican wrote that he and his wife, Susan, had struggled with and prayed about whether to run for governor again so soon after the loss.

"We will always fondly recall our time in the Governor's Mansion as an unparalleled honor and a period of historic initiatives and transformational accomplishments for Virginians. Yet, as we look forward, we are excited about other significant ways we can serve and contribute outside of elected office. Therefore, I will not be a candidate for Governor in 2009."

Attention will now turn to the AG and LG ... will they go up against each other?